Eggplant is a plant in the nightshade family, also known as the Solanaceae family.
Though botanically a fruit, eggplants are commonly eaten as a vegetable in savory dishes.
An exceedingly small number of people may develop an eggplant allergy.
Photo Agnes Elisabeth Szucs / Getty Images
Some individuals are even allergic or intolerant to all members of thenightshade family.
Photo Agnes Elisabeth Szucs / Getty Images
Symptoms
Anallergic reactionto eggplant resembles allergic reactions to other foods.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Risk Factors
In general, the main cause of allergies is genes.
A person’s sex, race, and age may also factor into incidence and prevalence for allergies.
OAS typically only has oral involvement (including the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat).
Diagnosis
Use a journal to keep track of your diet and notice when you are feeling symptoms.
Developing a rash a few days after eating eggplant does not indicate an eggplant food allergy.
This means you should not consume eggplant or foods that contain eggplant.
Antihistamines block the receptor for histamines, minimizing these symptoms.
In more severe cases, anEpiPenmay be prescribed to prevent and treat anaphylaxis.
EpiPens are injectable forms of epinephrine, used to stop the life-threatening whole-body reaction that can occur.
Tell your server that you have an eggplant allergy to be extra safe.
Zucchini can be a great substitute for eggplant in dishes like eggplant parmesan or grilled salads.
Summary
Eggplant allergies are rare.
All allergies can cause discomfort and even severe reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
If eggplants make your mouth itch, you may have an eggplant allergy.
OAS symptoms can also be managed by eating canned foods or cooking them prior to consumption.
Eggplants do containhistamine, the chemical responsible for allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion.
Skin prick tests can be imprecise when testing for histamine in eggplant.
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